Romas Kalanta

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Romas Kalanta (February 22, 1953 - May 14, 1972) was a Lithuanian political victim known for his self-immolation for political reasons. He is the subject of several books.

Kalanta wanted to enter the seminary and become a catholic priest. Romas Kalanta set himself on fire in the square adjoining the Laisvės Alėja in front of the Kaunas Musical Theatre in the Lithuanian city of Kaunas on May 14, 1972 in protest of the occupation of Lithuania and oppression of the Lithuanian language, culture and people by the government of the Soviet Union. At the time it was very difficult to tell the western world about this oppression, as the Soviet government made foreign communications nearly impossible.

Up until the time of this event, foreigners were only able to see the "bright" side of the Lithuanian situation—the side that the government wanted them to see. Kalanta's suicide was seen by many people, including journalists who visited the Soviet Union. The Soviet government tried to cover up the event, but its story spread as legend by word of mouth. This caused student unrest in Lithuania, especially in Kaunas.

Kalanta used fuel to set himself alight. Due to the need for secrecy at the time, details of the event are disputed. The common belief is that he and a few of his classmates formed a patriot group, and that they held a lottery to determine which of them would have to carry out the mission.

[edit] External links

• Romas Kalanta: The Young Man with the Mesmerizing Eyes
• (Lithuanian) KGB reaction to 1972 events in Genocidas ir Rezistencija, 2003 1 (13).